In this guide, we’ll explain how to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, what they do, the average psychiatric nurse practitioner's salary, and more.
Part One What is a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), also known as psychiatric nurse practitioners, are nurse practitioners who specialize in mental health treatment. They help patients suffering from mental illnesses, disorders, or substance abuse problems by assessing, diagnosing, and providing treatment plans to them.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Enrollment: Nationwide Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge. Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details. WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. Enrollment: Nationwide Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention. Enrollment: NationwidePopular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
CCNE
Online
RN Required
CCNE
Online
RN Required
CCNE
Online
RN Required
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Part Two What Do Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Do?
PMHNPs take care of patients suffering from a variety of mental illnesses and disorders. Psychiatric nurse practitioner duties will vary based on where they work, but they often include:
- Diagnosing and treating common acute psychiatric problems, illnesses, and crises
- Psychopharmacologic management in collaboration with a psychiatrist
- Providing individual, group, and family psychotherapy
- Caring for and counseling clients with commonly identified chronic psychiatric conditions
- Coordinating and integrating multidisciplinary services for clients with complex psychiatric problems
- Monitoring common healthcare problems and referring to specialized medical treatment as needed
- Providing comprehensive family psychiatric-mental health education
- Performing or recommending age-appropriate screening procedures
- Promoting wellness-oriented self-care
- Being an advocate for family psychiatric-mental health clients and their families
Illnesses and Disorders that Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Treat
Psychiatric nurse practitioners treat a wide variety of mental illnesses and disorders, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar, manic-depressive states
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Substance abuse
- Panic Disorders
- Dementia
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
- Trauma, PTSD, adjustment disorders
>> Show Me Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Part Three How to Become a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner
To become a psychiatric nurse Practitioner, you’ll need to complete the following steps.
Step 1: Attend Nursing School
You’ll need to earn either an ADN or a BSN from an accredited nursing program in order to take the first steps to becoming a registered nurse. ADN-prepared nurses will need to take the additional step of either completing their BSN degree or entering into an accelerated RN to MSN program, which will let them earn their BSN and MSN at the same time.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN
Become a Registered Nurse by passing the NCLEX examination.
Step 3: Gain Experience or Continue Your Education
Nurses can choose to gain some nursing experience before going back to school or go directly into an MSN program, depending on their unique situation. Most NP programs will require a minimum of TWO years of relevant work experience.
Step 4: Graduate With Your Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree From an Accredited Nursing Program
Enter into an MSN/NP program that offers a path to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. You can select from several in-person or online PMHNP programs nationwide to suit your specific needs.
If you already have a nurse practitioner degree, you can attend a PMHNP certificate program instead. These programs allow NPs to further specialize in mental health. Check out our guide to learn more about the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs.
Step 5: Become Certified
The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC).
Step 6: Get a Job as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Now you’re ready to start working as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner!
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Enrollment: Nationwide Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge. Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details. WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. Enrollment: Nationwide Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention. Enrollment: NationwidePopular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
CCNE
Online
RN Required
CCNE
Online
RN Required
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Part Four PMHNP Jobs
Due to high demand in several sectors, becoming a PMHNP is one of the easiest nurse practitioner specialties to get into. PMHNPs can work in several environments, including:
- Academia
- Community Mental Health Centers (urban and rural)
- Consulting with businesses and communities
- Correctional Facilities
- Domestic Violence Shelters
- Government Agency
- Home Health Agencies
- Hospitals
- In-patient Psychiatric Facilities
- Primary Healthcare Clinics
- Private Psychiatric Practices
- Psychopharmacology Clinic
- Psychiatric Consult Services
- Public health agencies
- Residential Substance Abuse Facilities
- Schools
- State Psychiatric Facilities
- Student Health Clinics
- Urban Nurse-Managed Clinic
- Veterans Administration Psychiatric Facilities
Part Five Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary
As with other types of nurse practitioners, Psychiatric NPS can expect to earn salaries on the higher end of the spectrum. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for nurse practitioners is $126,260 per year as of May 2023.
However, the BLS does not differentiate between different types of Nurse Practitioners. But, according to Indeed, the average psychiatric nurse practitioner salary is $149,061.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary by Years of Experience
Psychiatric NPs can earn a higher annual salary with increased years of experience. Per Payscale.com, this is how much people are earning at different levels of experience in 2024:
- Less than 1 years of experience earn an average salary of $111,976
- 1-4 years of experience earn an average salary of $121,049
- 5-9 years of experience earns an average salary of $125,755
- 10-19 years of experience earns an average salary of $129,307
- 20+ years of experience earns an average salary of $131,615
Highest Paying Cities for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
In 2025, the highest-paying cities for Psychiatric NPs, according to Indeed, are:
- Chattanooga, TN - $232,909
- Baltimore, MD - $220,652
- Portland, OR - $209,260
- Seattle, WA - $202,865
- Waterbury, CT - $200,645
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Job Benefits
Regardless of workplace setting, full-time and part-time nurses enjoy similar benefits. While actual benefits may vary depending on the institution, most include the following:
- Health insurance
- Certification Reimbursement
- Retirement Options
- Holiday Pay
- Family Leave of Absence
- Maternity Leave
- Dental Insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Life Insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Childcare
- Bereavement leave
- Vision Insurance
- Discounts on extracurricular activities
- Continuing Education Reimbursement
- Relocation packages
- Attendance at nursing conferences
>> Show Me Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Part Six Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs
We’ve rounded up some of the top Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner programs, also called Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs. Below are five of the top programs available for getting your PMHNP education. Check out our article on the Top Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs for the full list and more information.
- 1. University of Pennsylvania
- 2. Rush University
- 3. University of Washington
- 4. University of California – San Francisco
- 5. Yale University
Part Seven PMHNP Continuing Education Requirements
PMHNP CEU hours will vary based on the state of licensure. For each state an individual is licensed, CEU hours will be required. Generally, NPs are required a minimum of 75 contact hours of continuing education in the specialty area (psychiatric nursing).
Additionally, even though they are functioning in an APRN role, they must maintain their RN certification. In order for an individual to renew their RN license, they will need to fill out an application, complete a specific number of CEU hours, and pay a nominal fee. Each state has specific requirements, and it is important to check with the board of nursing prior to applying for license renewal.
A detailed look at Continuing Nurse Education hours can be found here.
Part Eight Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the career outlook for NPs is excellent. From 2023 to 2033 there is predicted to be a 46% growth in employment for NPs, which is MUCH faster than the average for all occupations.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners estimates that approximately 25,025 or only 6.5% of all practicing NPs are certified in psychiatric mental health. As mental health disorders continue to rise in the United States, Psychiatric Mental Health NPs continue to be needed.
>> Show Me Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Part Nine Resources
- Top Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
- How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary Guide
- 10 Cheapest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs
- Top One-Year Online PMHNP Programs
Part Ten Other Nurse Practitioner Specialties
- General Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Enrollment: Nationwide Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge. Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details. WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. Enrollment: Nationwide Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention. Enrollment: NationwidePopular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
CCNE
Online
RN Required
CCNE
Online
RN Required
CCNE
Online
RN Required
